MUSCAT: The Ministry of Labour has issued a decision regarding the fees for issuing or renewing work permits for expatriates in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category.

According to the new decision, the company must be owned by an employer holding an entrepreneurship card, and must be registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.

The ministry said that Article 2 of Ministerial Resolution No. 340/2016 will be replaced by the following:

• The institution must be owned by an employer holding an entrepreneurship card, and must be registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, insured with the General Authority for Social Insurance, and retirees who have an entrepreneurship card are excluded from registration with the General Authority for Social Insurance.
• The facility may apply for one institution only, and not other institutions of the same owners.
• The facility should have at least one Omani employee in the event of licence application for six to ten expat workers.

What are the fees for recruiting expats in SME institutions?

• OMR 301 for issuing and renewing a licence to recruit expats.
• OMR 141 for a permit to recruit one to three domestic or similarly-skilled workers
• OMR 241 for a permit to recruit four or more domestic or similarly-skilled workers
• OMR 201 for a licence to recruit 0n2 to three farmers and breeders; OMR 301 to recruit four or more
• OMR 5 to change worker data, and OMR 5 to change the worker’s employer